Who bears the primary responsibility for preventing and addressing bullying in schools under the anti-bullying framework?

• A. Anti-bullying policies are optional.
• B. Students are solely responsible for preventing bullying.
• C. Parents alone must handle bullying.
• D. Schools and teachers must prevent and address bullying.

Answer: (D)

Preventing and addressing bullying in schools is primarily the responsibility of the school and its teachers. They establish and enforce anti-bullying policies, shape the school climate to be safe and respectful, train staff to recognize and intervene in bullying situations, supervise student interactions, and set up clear reporting and response procedures. Students can help by bystander intervention and supporting peers, and parents collaborate with the school, but the core duty to prevent bullying and to respond to incidents rests with the school community. This framework ensures a consistent, systemic approach to safety and accountability within the learning environment.